Assistant Planning Officer

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: In Person (Face to Face)

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

This role is subject to -

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' employment history.

Qualification - Must hold a Degree in Planning

Manchester is one of the world’s greatest cities. A city with a reputation for innovation. A reputation for creativity. A thriving regional economy and a proud sense of identity. We are a city with a rich history, a vibrant present-day, and much to look forward to in the future.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping this dynamic modern city. The role is wit

hin the Central Development Management Team of the Manchester Planning Service - a high profile, frontline service within the City Council. We are looking for a talented, ambitious town planner, who is committed to Manchester, and its vision, in order to realise outcomes for our residents, businesses and visitors.

The Central Team is responsible for the implementation of the Council's planning policies for the ongoing physical regeneration of the City Centre. We have a number of nationally significant development areas including Corridor Manchester, First Street, Great Jackson Street and Piccadilly East as part of meeting our housing and economic growth objectives.

The team is also responsible for managing the growth of the City Centre into a number of strategically important regeneration areas, including Victoria North, Strangeways, Ancoats and New Islington, Holt Town and the Etihad Campus, in order to create great places that bring people and communities together, attract investment and ensure that Manchester continues to thrive.

To discuss the role, please contact Jennifer Atkinson (Principal Planning Manager) on 0161 234 4517 or Jennifer.atkinson@manchester.gov.uk

Candidates would help ensure that new developments are in line with Council priorities, ensuring the highest standard of design together with meeting Manchester’s ambitious target of being a Zero Carbon City by 2038.

Working closely with the Planning Service’s Urban Design, He

ritage and Sustainability Team, the role would also require knowledge and understanding of historic buildings, other designated assets and climate objectives, together with relevant legislation, to ensure the City’s growth responds positively to the historic environment and climate change objectives.

The role would be office based in the Town Hall Extension in the centre of Manchester with candidates expected to undertake site visits, where initiative and professional judgement would need to be demonstrated in order to make sound planning decisions.

Extensive engagement with elected members, residents, businesses and other stakeholders including heritage organisations would be a key requirement of the role in order to provide high levels of performance, customer service and deliver high quality development proposals in Manchester. There would also be close liaison with other council services to support corporate objectives and Council projects and initiatives.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours

• We take time to listen and understand

A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
  
  

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Requirements

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme
  
  

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
  
  

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if you’re successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. 

Pre-Employment Checks

Required

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.

Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.

Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information

Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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